Post fight comments from Bellator’s huge Spike TV card held at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho NM on July 31. No press conference was held for the fighters due to five post TV prelim fights but Ben Askren, Michael Chandler, King Mo and Bjorn Rebney were available for some quotes.

Michael Chandler

Thoughts about the fight with David Rickels…

I came forward and wanted to put the pressure on him. He did a good job with a few push kicks to try to keep range. I was stalking and staying patient and saw an opportunity and I know I punched him really hard in the caveman head. That was my first actual KO in a fight. I am blessed to have phenomenal people in my life and what you see out there is months and months of hard work at Alliance MMA.

Thoughts about the wrestlers in Bellator…

Wrestlers are so successful because we work hard. If there is one thing that separates most wrestlers from other guys is their ability to push themselves outside their comfort zones. That’s what I do every single day in practice. I freaking love Ben (Askren). He is like a mentor, a big brother to me. I wouldn’t be the competitor I am today without him.

Many thought you would test free agent waters. Talk about your decision to re-up with Bellator.

The process took several months and I have the best managers in the game and they went to battle for me. It just felt right. I don’t make decisions based off anything besides the way I feel in my heart. I prayed about it and talked about it with other mentors in my life.

Bjorn (Rebney) said you are the best lightweight in the world…

I believe I am training my butt off harder than anybody and making the right decisions. All I am focused on is what are you going to do tomorrow? I do think very highly of myself but I am very grounded. I finally believe I deserve the best in this sport and life in general.

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